7 years on, Kochi's cleanliness is down from 5th spot to 416th

Seven years ago, Kochi was celebrated for its exemplary cleanliness, proudly holding the 5th position in national cleanliness rankings. Today, however, the city’s standing has dropped dramatically to 416th place. This sharp decline raises concerns about the city's management and the potential consequences for its reputation and tourism industry.

Indore and Surat set new benchmarks

In the latest Swachh Survekshan Awards-2023, Indore and Surat were jointly declared the cleanest cities in India. This marks the seventh consecutive win for Indore, while Surat achieved its first top position, albeit shared. This recognition underscores the cities' exceptional cleanliness standards and sets a new benchmark for urban hygiene across the country.

Inspired by Indore's sustained excellence, other Indian cities are now striving to replicate its success. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has instructed officials to develop comprehensive plans to transform Greater Hyderabad into a model clean city, akin to Indore. He stressed the importance of studying Indore's practices in detail and has directed officials to visit the city for insights. During a recent review meeting at the Secretariat, the Chief Minister discussed progress on various development projects within the GHMC limits, including road and footpath enhancements, cleaning operations, and other initiatives aimed at improving urban cleanliness.

And what is the stand of Kochi is the major question here.

Piyush Goyal’s earlier remark on Kochi

During a two-day visit to Kochi in 2022, Union Commerce and Industries Minister Piyush Goyal had expressed his concerns about the city’s declining cleanliness. Mr. Goyal then remarked that Kochi is falling short in terms of hygiene, and he emphasised that both local authorities and the Kerala government need to address the issue.

While picking up a garbage from the roadside in the Marine Drive area, Goyal told reporters, “I love Kochi, but not in the state I see it here.” He lamented the city’s rapid decline in the cleanliness index, noting that it has dropped from 5th place to 324th in a short period.

“It is extremely sad to see such a significant fall,” Goyal added. He further stressed that the responsibility for the city’s poor cleanliness lies with both the local bodies and the state government.

Impact on tourism

Kochi, known for its vibrant culture and picturesque landscapes, is the most popular tourist destination in Kerala. Its sharp decline in cleanliness could adversely affect its appeal to visitors. Cleanliness is a crucial factor in attracting tourists, and a drop in rankings could tarnish the city’s image, potentially leading to fewer visitors and a decline in tourism-related revenue.

Tourists often seek destinations that offer not only natural beauty but also a high standard of urban hygiene and infrastructure. The recent rankings could deter potential travellers, who might opt for cleaner, more well-regarded locations. This shift could have a ripple effect on the local economy, impacting businesses that rely heavily on tourism.

To state this, a few months back, there was a viral video circulated in the Internet where some Russian tourists cleaning Fort Kochi beach. Accompanied by a message urging locals to take charge of their environment, this spontaneous act of cleanliness had drawn widespread attention. Kerala Tourism department had also responded swiftly by initiating an inquiry into the beach’s condition, aligning with the state’s Tourism Vision 2025. This ambitious plan aims to optimise Kerala’s tourism potential sustainably, emphasising the preservation of natural beauty and cultural heritage.

It’s high time 

City officials and stakeholders must reassess their strategies and implement robust measures to restore Kochi’s reputation. Learning from Indore’s success story could provide valuable insights into improving cleanliness and maintaining high standards.

To recover its prestigious status and continue attracting tourists, Kochi must prioritise cleanliness as a key aspect of its urban development strategy. Rebuilding its reputation will require a concerted effort from both the government and the community, ensuring that the city once again becomes a model of cleanliness and a top choice for visitors.